Page 72 of Realms of Shadow and Sun

She felt dizzy, swept up into his passionate embrace. He unlaced the back of her dress and then slid his fingers across the front of her chest, groping and exploring as she gasped. His other hand pushed aside her skirts, and she shivered as he reached her core.

“This is mine too. Only mine.”

She instantly was lost, swimming in the deep pools of her desire. This was the last thing she thought would happen when she came up here to console him, but sometimes their bodies spoke more deeply than their words could.

Grayden rose from the chair, easily cradling her body against his as he took her to their bed. He set her on her feet, helping her out of the elaborate gown before shucking his own tunic and pants quickly. He groaned when he saw her, and Renya knew it was partly due to the seductive underclothing that she put on. He fiddled with the strap of her bralette, rubbing the soft lace between his fingers.

“You will be my undoing, sweetling.” He rested his forehead against hers and exhaled, his breath shaky. Renya felt her core tighten with pleasure, pleased to garner such a sexual response in him.

His fingers found the lace of her bottoms, and he slowly traced a line around her thigh, while caressing her face with his other hand.

“You don’t know what you do to me, Renya.” He backed her carefully towards the bed until her knees bent, and then leaned over to cover her mouth with his.

She whimpered as he kissed her, needing more but unable to vocalize it as all of her senses became overwhelmed.

“I mean it, Little Fawn. From the moment I carried your unconscious body to my tent, that was it for me. Everything I ever want is right here in this bed with me. Now lie back, my sweet girl, and let me love you like you deserve.”

At that moment, he placed his hand within the hollow of her back and moved her up the bed, making sure she was comfortable, and then covered her body with his. She invited his touch, and he gave a wicked grin as he felt how ready she was for him.

“You were made for me to love, Renya.”

She pulled his face to hers, and kissed him deeply as he moved between her legs. The second he entered her, she was connected to him so deeply that she felt robbed during the hours of the day where they couldn’t be together like this.

Grayden shuddered as he reached her end, but moved slowly, and Renya could tell he was determined to make this time slow and sensual. Their long parting took a toll on his restraint, and she knew he struggled to take things slowly. She didn’t mind the quick pace he usually set, but for tonight, his languid love making was exactly what she needed. She was back where their story started, back here in the lodge where they fell in love.

Chapter Thirty

Selenia watched Sion lead Beauty towards the stables, and debated going after him. Finally, the pull towards him got the better of her, and she ran after him, her satin shoes slipping in the slick snow.

He stopped as he heard her coming, turning around. Beauty stopped as well, obeying Renya's orders to go with Sion even though she wasn't there to enforce them.

“Selenia, you're going to freeze out here!” He took off his tunic and pulled it roughly over her head. Instantly she was enveloped in his warm scent, reminding her of the sweet breeze off the summer sea.

“Sion, take your shirt back. You'll freeze now.” She tried hard not to fixate on his bare chest. He was completely smooth there, without a single stray hair. She'd seen other men with their shirts off before, but they didn't compare to the sight of his olive skin against the crisp white snow. She gulped, trying to pull his shirt back over her head. Sion gave her a stern look, and she dropped the hem and let it fall to her thighs.

He marched ahead, Beauty once again following. They reached the barn, and both young grooms looked at Beauty with fear in their eyes.

“She won't hurt you,” Sion said, trying to assuage their fears.

Even Selenia looked skeptical. “How did Renya end up with a dragon?”

“I'm guessing she bonded with the newest offspring. You know Renya, she's something special.”

Selenia pressed her nails into her palms, trying to calm the rough sea of jealousy about to drown her. She loved Renya. Renya was like a sister, fated to her brother. There was no need to be jealous. It was just their bond. She now understood Grayden's insane behavior since Renya came into his life.

Sion passed by the grooms, who looked anywhere but at the dragon meandering past them. He moved to the enclosure at the very end, and led Beauty inside. She obeyed, but gave him an irritated look as he locked the stall door shut.

“That won't hold her for long,” he said to the older of the two boys. “Tomas, that's your name, right?”

The boy nodded nervously, obviously concerned that he was going to be asked to attend to Beauty.

“Tomas, I want you to go to the blacksmith and have him fasten some iron chains for the dragon. I also want this stall reinforced with iron bars on the outside. Have him come up here and take the measurements.”

Tomas looked relieved that his chore was taking him away from the dragon, who was eyeing him curiously. He scampered away, not even looking over his shoulder.

The smaller boy approached Sion. “His Lordship's horse is also foaling.”

“Starlia? Finally!” Selenia squeaked. “I'll let my brother know right away. He'll want to be here for this.”

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